Funny Bones

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

Written By Duncan Tonatiuh

Illustrations by Duncan Tonatiuh

Published by Harry N. Abrams 2015

Awards: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal

Summary:

José Guadalupe Posada’s story is illustrated seamlessly in this nonfiction picture book. The artist’s styles are explained in step-by-step details, and you can see how he came to the creation of the famous Calaveras, or skeletons. This book also describes Lupe’s political cartoons and his history in Mexico. El Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is growing and become more popular, and this text does a wonderful job of explaining the holiday, culture, and art.

Intriguing. Informative. Colorful. Fun. Artistic.

Grade Level: 3-5

Interest Level: 3

Lexile Measure: N/A

Description: Nonfiction, Spanish and English Language

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Key Vocabulary:

·      Calaveras- skeleton, human bones

·      El Día de Muertos- The Day of the Dead; Mexican holiday to celebrate their loved ones that have passed away

·      Mexican Revolution 1910

·      Art techniques: Lithography, Engraving, Etching

Electronic Resources:

http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/support/dodhistory.html

This website give more information about the Day of the Dead and it’s traditions.

http://www.hellokids.com/c_22968/coloring-pages/holidays-coloring-pages/mexican-day-of-the-dead-coloring-pages/mexican-decorated-skulls

This webpage includes many different Day of the Dead coloring pages that can be printed out or even colored online. It is easy to use and has many options.

Teaching Suggestions:

http://vanderbilt.edu/clas/curriculum-resources/media/Final%20Funny%20Bones%20Educator%20Guide.pdf

This link above gives great information about the author and the book along with premade lesson plans.

Before: This book contains a great author’s note, index, and glossary in the back matter of the book. A mini lesson on how to use an index and glossary before hand will help students during the reading.

During: While reading there will be some complex vocabulary for some students to understand. Stop at the vocabulary words and ask students to use context clues to help define the word. After a couple students share their ideas, go to the glossary in the back of the book and model for the class how to look up the words in the glossary. Read the dictionary definition and then go back and reread the section of the book that the vocabulary word was in.

After: Students can try using some of the new art techniques that were discussed in the book using the step by step guides, or create sugar skulls to represent someone they love.

Writing Activity: Using the pages that ask the questions “Was Don Lupe saying that…” students can respond to the questions on what they think Lupe was trying to teach everyone. These questions in the book are very relatable to everyone in some type of way and can teach students important morals.